In a post on Facebook, Senator Hanson sought to clarify claims made by the Sydney Morning Herald including suggestions the room was left empty for five nights while she flew to Italy. Senator Hanson embarked on a 10-day overseas fact-finding trip that included a sit-down interview with Seven's Spotlight program. One Nation senator Sean Bell dismissed criticism of the trip earlier on Friday. Senator Bell assured donors money raised through the grassroots campaign had been "cordoned off" and could not be used for other causes, including international travel. Senator Bell said he welcomed the major parties coming to the debate.